Electrical coupling in proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks

Reduced-dimensional models for straight-channel proton exchange membrane fuel cells

“…As such, the terminology "pseudo-2D" is often used to describe 1 + 1D unit-cell models. The simplicity of 1 + 1D unit-cell models allowed describing coupling between different unit cells, leading to stack model [15][16][17]. In the present study we develop a model that considers local, two-dimensional crosssections together with the transport along the channel.…”

Experimental and numerical studies of portable PEMFC stack

“…Their predictions revealed that varying the flow channel path length over the same reaction area and channel/rib cross section dimensions can affect the performance and uniformity in both single cells and stacks. For the stack model, St-Pierre and co-workers [9][10][11] improved the simple mathematical model with a 1D + 1D approach. Their model was computationally undemanding and allowed for unlimited cells to be in the simulated stack.…”

“…Even though many researchers have been studying the impact of different parameters on stack performance [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17], a standard methodology to improve the stack design is not available. This methodology should be specific to the typical stack design (e.g., short stack (10-300 W) for portable devices, medium stack (0.3-5 kW) for residential stationary applications, and large stack (30-50 kW) for automotive applications such as fuel cell hybrid and battery dominated fuel cell hybrid vehicles).…”

Reduced dimensional computational models of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stacks

“…Our group began with a basic unit cell model of this type [4], using several sets of experimental data for fitting and validation. To this model were added the effects of electrical coupling between unit cells in a stack environment ( [3] with validation against experimental results in [18]). Also added were simple models to describe the temperature variations through the MEA and bipolar plates and the increase in coolant temperature in each cell in a fuel cell stack [38,29].…”

“…Several elements of the model described below have been developed previously: a basic, reduced dimensional unit cell model in [4] with experimental fitting and validation of water crossover and effects of cathode low inlet humidity, simple versions of the thermal model [38,29], the electrical coupling through bipolar plate resistance [3] and its experimental validation [18]. Below, these elements are brought together into a common model with full coupling between them.…”